Bitch Media - sexist advertisinghttp://bitchmagazine.org/taxonomy/term/3622/0
enMegan Fox Refreshingly NOT Objectified in New Acer Commercial. Plus: Talking Dolphins!http://bitchmagazine.org/post/megan-fox-acer-advertising-sexism-computers-feminist-magazine-commercials
<p>Here in the feminist blogosphere, we spend a lot of time <a href="/tag/sexism-17"target="_blank">calling out sexism in the media</a>, especially <a href="/tag/sexist-advertising"target="_blank">in advertising</a>. Contrary to popular belief, this is not because we are <a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6597593333_83feff6012_o.png"target="_blank">screeching harridans</a>, but because most mainstream advertising is hella sexist. That's why I was extra-psyched to see this new Acer electronics ad featuring Megan Fox as a budding marine biologist who is not, at any point, reduced to a piece of ass.</p>
<p><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8140529823_a4b59c1cd6.jpg" alt="Megan Fox in a lab coat" /></p>
<p>Fox has a reputation for being, well, a fox, which is no doubt why she was asked to do this spot in the first place. She has graced the cover of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=megan+fox+magazine+cover&amp;hl=en&amp;prmd=imvnso&amp;source=lnms&amp;tbm=isch&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=4Z-QUI3OKon2iwKJ0oGADQ&amp;ved=0CAsQ_AUoAQ&amp;biw=1252&amp;bih=679"target="_blank">countless lad mags</a> and <a href="http://youngfeministadventures.blogspot.com/2009/06/wheres-empowerment.html"target="_blank">landed</a>—<a href="http://www.deeplyproblematic.com/2009/07/megan-fox-sexually-harrassed-by-michael.html"target="_blank">and lost</a>—movie roles based on her status as a sex object. However, the Acer commercial flips this notion on its head by showing Fox actively rejecting an underwear photo shoot for a chance to learn to communicate with dolphins. It's tongue-in-cheek, sure, but it also features a sexy female celebrity with agency who uses her brain power and determination to get a job done instead of biting her lip, unbuttoning that lab coat, and posing for the male scientists in the room while they figure out how to talk to dolphins. </p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4IzO_DzGpH0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>When feminists call out sexism or any other bullshit in pop culture, we often hear something along the lines of, "Lighten up! Companies need to be sexist/racist/homophobic/offensive to sell products. It's just a joke! NOTHING IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU SCREECHING HARRIDANS." Though far from perfect—those nerdy scientists aren't busting up stereotypes by any means—this commercial is the kind of mainstream media that I for one *do* like to see. It's clever and polished and charming and starring a celebrity spokeswoman (and a celebrity spokesdolphin), and it doesn't rely on sexism to get the job done. In fact, it upends our sexist expectations and reminds us that there is in fact a way to make media that doesn't shit on women. Who knew? (We did, obviously. Hi there.)</p>
<p>Of course, some of the coverage of this new Megan Fox ad has already fallen back on tired tropes. AdRants' Steve Hall <a href="http://www.adrants.com/2012/10/megan-fox-leaves-booty-at-home-in-brainy.php"target="_blank">put the word "brilliant" in quotes when describing Fox as a scientist</a> (you know, because she is pretty and female and therefore "smart") and mentioned that he'd like to see Fox in a crop top and a miniskirt again soon. Oh, and that she's probably doing more legit commercial work because she's a mom now and therefore needs to cover it up. On the other, non-douchey hand, Fox herself says <a href="http://www.thedrum.com/news/2012/10/30/megan-fox-becomes-marine-biologist-latest-mother-campaign-acer"target="_blank">she did the spot because she loves computers</a>, and because "it gave me an opportunity to show a different side of myself." </p>
<p>Acer's previous spot in this campaign featured <a href="http://adage.com/article/creativity-pick-of-the-day/acer-shows-kind-cupcakes-kiefer-sutherland-make/236783/"target="_blank">Keifer Sutherland on a Jack Bauer-style quest for the perfect cupcake</a>. Having a sense of humor and challenging gender norms at the same time! It's possible, folks—even for mainstream advertisers. </p>
<p>Now how possible do you think that talking dolphin scenario is? Because that would be awesome.</p>
http://bitchmagazine.org/post/megan-fox-acer-advertising-sexism-computers-feminist-magazine-commercials#commentscommercialsMegan Foxsexist advertisingSocial CommentaryWed, 31 Oct 2012 16:31:01 +0000Kelsey Wallace19672 at http://bitchmagazine.orgPen 15 Club: The "BIC for Her" Debacle is About Sexism, Not Social Mediahttp://bitchmagazine.org/post/pen-15-club-the-bic-for-her-debacle-is-about-sexism-not-social-media-feminist-magazine-pens-marketing
<p>Thank God I'm typing this post on a laptop, because ladies like me need special, feminine pens to write longhand these days. </p>
<p><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/7889648412_8b653c74ce.jpg" alt="snapshot of Bic for her pens" /><br />
<em>Ah, that's better.</em></p>
<p>You may have seen the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BIC-Cristal-1-0mm-Black-MSLP16-Blk/product-reviews/B004F9QBE6/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&amp;showViewpoints=1"target="_blank">hilarious Amazon customer reviews</a> for the BIC "For Her" Ball Pen that have been circulating the web this week. Written in response to BIC's ludicrous idea that women need a pen with an "Elegant design - just for her!" and a "Thin barrel to fit a women's hand," the reviews are smart, sarcastic, and sounding alarms in the social media world for all the wrong reasons. </p>
<p>The "firestorm" ignited on Amazon.com is being framed in the advertising/PR/social media world as a debacle of epic proportions not because BIC produced an infantilizing, unnecessary, sexist product that is pissing off potential customers, but because BIC didn't secure a Twitter account to respond to the fallout. Says B.L. Ochman of <a href="http://adage.com/article/digitalnext/bic-avoided-bic-social-debacle/236905/"target="_blank">Ad Age</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p>Despite the fact that the buzz has been growing for weeks, the brand did not have the foresight to secure @BicForHer on Twitter, where a spoof account has already been launched, nor did they buy the URL <a href="http://www.bicforher.com" title="www.bicforher.com">www.bicforher.com</a>, which is available for $12.99. A Tumblr blog is chronicling the funniest reviews and blog posts. An ad for BIC for Her launched last week, and is fast picking up derisive comments on YouTube. And through it all, BIC is silent.</p></blockquote>
<p>Steve Hall of Ad Rants <a href="http://www.adrants.com/2012/08/is-bic-for-her-really-a-social-media.php?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+adrants+%28Adrants%29&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader"target="_blank">has a different take</a>. He doesn't believe this "debacle" will harm BIC's brand, and advocates the company do nothing. "I'm not arguing that a small but very vocal minority should be ignored," he says. "But in the greater scheme of things, is this really as big a deal as we'd like to make it?"</p>
<p>Patricio Robles of <a href="http://econsultancy.com/us/blog/10615-bic-for-her-a-different-kind-of-social-media-firestorm"target="_blank">econsultancy</a> agrees, adding that, "At this point, the 'backlash' against BIC for Her is better described as an exercise in sarcasm, and while this could be the start of something bigger, it's worth keeping in mind that, at this moment, there are still under 200 reviews for the BIC for Her pen on Amazon.com."</p>
<p>Yes, they're looking at it from a PR perspective, but debating whether or not BIC should've secured @BicForHer on Twitter before a (sadly suspended) spoof account could start ignores the real issue here: BIC made a pen "for her"! A PEN. FOR HER. And not only that, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/bic-charges-more-for-pens-targeted-at-women-2012-8"target="_blank">BIC is charging significantly more</a> for its lady pens than it is for the gender-neutral varieties. The problem isn't how BIC is handling the social media backlash, it's that the pen was made in the first place.</p>
<p>These reviews have gotten media traction outside of feminist spheres because they're funny, but you don't need to be a Women's Studies major to spot the sexism. BIC is talking down to its female customers, assuming that women are so flighty and delicate as to desire a glittery, pastel, slender writing utensil. Precious ladies can't use MAN PENS! We might break our tiny ring fingers! </p>
<p>That flawed logic (women have undoubtedly been using ballpoint pens since they were <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballpoint_pen"target="_blank">first patented in 1888</a>) is what's alienating people, not BIC's lazy customer response rate. Amazon reviewers are cleverly skewering this product because it's offensive and ridiculous (and entertaining).</p>
<p><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7889648302_d5da2ec59c_z.jpg" alt="screen shot of reviews from Amazon. Link to text below" /><br />
<em>Full text <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BIC-Cristal-1-0mm-Black-MSLP16-Blk/dp/B004F9QBE6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top"target="_blank">here</a></em>.</p>
<p>If BIC learns a lesson from this "disaster," it shouldn't be one about registering domain names or weathering a storm of complaints. It should be that women don't want to be upsold on stupid shiny lady pens. Period.</p>
<p><em>Image: <a href="http://jezebel.com/5780481/bic-for-her--finally-a-pen-ladies-can-use"target="_blank">Margaret Hartmann</a></em></p>
http://bitchmagazine.org/post/pen-15-club-the-bic-for-her-debacle-is-about-sexism-not-social-media-feminist-magazine-pens-marketing#commentssexist advertisingsocial mediaSocial CommentaryWed, 29 Aug 2012 21:03:05 +0000Kelsey Wallace18489 at http://bitchmagazine.orgDouchebag Decree: Don't Let Chick-fil-A Distract You From the Douchiness that is the Latest Hooters Campaignhttp://bitchmagazine.org/post/douchebag-decree-chick-fil-a-hooters-breastaurant-women-feminist-magazine-sexist-ads
<p>The Internet is abuzz with news of <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/chick-fil-record-setting-sales-appreciation-day/story?id=16912978#.UBq6ZDFSQh4"target="_blank">one douche-y fried chicken restaurant</a> this week, but make no mistake: There's always room for one more. </p>
<p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/3008635758_a8c6604670.jpg" alt="Douchebag Decree logo in red and blue letters it says Ye Olde Douchebag Decree. Bitch hereby declares the following person a total douchebag" /></p>
<p>Here in Portland we've never even seen a Chick-fil-A, but we're all too familiar with the <a href="http://breastaurantuniforms.com/"target="_blank">breastaurant</a> that is Hooters. Known for its scantily clad waitresses, its "delightfully tacky yet unrefined" slogan, and its bros-before-hos atmosphere (oh and, sure, its "chicken wings"), the chain is currently in the process of rebranding to "<a href="http://adage.com/article/news/hooters-lure-women-diners/236418/"target="_blank">appeal to a broader, younger audience that includes women</a>." Judging by the ad spots Hooters released this week, they've got a ways to go before they hit that goal.</p>
<p>Exhibit A: A lifeguard is so disgusted by the older ladies exercising in the pool that he has to work through his trauma with a cheeseburger, fries, two salads, a plate of wings, a pitcher and a half of beer, and two Hooters employees.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YByVrPKRqfY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<em>Old ladies are gross. Let's go look at boobs and eat a burger.</em></p>
<p>The new campaign features two owl puppets—a devil and an angel—meant to represent the internal conflict many customers face when eating fried food at what is basically the world's least gratifying strip club. On the one hand, you consider yourself a nice person, but on the other hand, you want to objectify women while you eat lunch! What to do???</p>
<p><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7699356726_657a3c65ff.jpg" alt="a white guy at a hooters sitting between two waitresses" /><br />
<em>You eat at Hooters, duh. Also seriously, how is one guy supposed to eat all that food?</em></p>
<p>Apparently, this rebrand—<a href="http://www.adrants.com/2012/08/new-hooters-campaign-focuses-on-food.php#more"target="_blank">created by Fitzgerald &amp; Co.</a>—is meant to not only appeal to a younger audience but also to highlight the food at Hooters over the, well, hooters. That's what they say, sure, but so far that is not what these ads actually do. </p>
<p>Exhibit B: The devil and angel owls make a "that's what she said" joke and then argue over whether or not the waitress wants to bang one of them. No one mentions food, though apparently these two felt puppets have downed an entire pitcher of beer already.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/J2Iv7N5qfVY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<em>I know I'm overthinking this, but why would an owl order a plate of wings?!?</em></p>
<p>Hooters has also updated its slogan, from, "Delightfully tacky yet unrefined" to, "Feed the dream." Now I've never been a Hooters supporter, but at least the old slogan was honest and somewhat clever. Going to a chain restaurant best known for young hotties in orange hot pants and tight tank tops <em>is</em> tacky, and most customers realized that. With the updated copy though, Hooters is trying to convince a younger audience that there's nothing distasteful about its schtick. According to the campaign, eating at Hooters—which means stuffing your face with greasy junk food while ogling women whose job it is to serve you—is not just <em>a</em> dream come true, it is <em>the</em> dream come true. </p>
<p>While this might seem like just another bogus ad slogan, targeting young people with a message that normalizes, nay, <em>glamorizes</em> the objectification of women is more than just gross—it contributes to rape culture in a big way. When we're telling teen boys (and girls!) that it's their awesome, dreamy right to have women display their breasts for them and serve them food at Hooters, it's not too big of a leap to thinking it's their awesome, dreamy right to have women display their breasts for them in non-Hooters locations. Does this mean all teens who see these ads will become rapists? No, of course not. But it does make the objectification of women that much more a part of their daily lives. At least with the "tacky" slogan Hooters was telling it like is—we objectify women and we know it's gross—instead of glorifying it.</p>
<p>While Chick-fil-A dominates the corner of the media reserved for homophobic, sexist, assholish chicken restaurants this week, let us not forget Hooters. With its new campaign and its old business model, this chain is doubling down on the douchebaggery in a big way.</p>
<p><strong>Previously:</strong> <a href="/post/douchebag-decree-sexist-olympic-advertising-feminist-magazine-London-2012-summer-games"target="_blank">Sexist Olympic Advertising</a> </p>
<p><em>In case you were wondering: <a href="/post/hear-ye-hear-ye-the-douchebag-decree-decree"target="_blank">Here's why we use the term "douchebag" on the Bitch blogs</a>.</em></p>
http://bitchmagazine.org/post/douchebag-decree-chick-fil-a-hooters-breastaurant-women-feminist-magazine-sexist-ads#commentsbreastaurantsDouchebag DecreeHooterssexist advertisingDouchebag Decree Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:24:46 +0000Kelsey Wallace18181 at http://bitchmagazine.orgWTF Files: Samsung's "Too Smart For Amy" Camera Adhttp://bitchmagazine.org/post/wtf-files-samsungs-too-smart-for-amy-camera-ad-amy-childs-sexist-feminism
<p>Wouldn't it be so funny if a company marketed a "smart" camera by making fun of a "stupid" woman? Take it away, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/05/01/amy-childs_n_1466917.html"target="_blank">Samsung</a>!</p>
<p><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7133631691_55bdd26e60_z.jpg" alt="Samsung ad with Amy Childs holding a phone with a vacant expression. The ad says Too Smart for Amy and the real Amy Childs is standing in front of it" /><br />
<em>Too smart for Amy. Too obnoxious for the general public.</em></p>
<p>Samsung launched their latest SMART camera at the Westfield shopping centre in East London with a campaign featuring British reality television personality <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_Childs"target="_blank">Amy Childs</a>. Get it? The camera is too smart for her! </p>
<p>Though I'm sure Samsung would say this ad is just for LOLz and not meant to be sexist in any way, Childs' vacant eyes, super girly styling and pose, and open-mouthed blowup doll facial expression say otherwise. With all of the "smart" technology out there, is this really the best they could do?</p>
<p><em>H/T <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/JimLynn/status/197427795251560449"target="_blank">Jim Lynn</a> and Jason for the tip!</em></p>
http://bitchmagazine.org/post/wtf-files-samsungs-too-smart-for-amy-camera-ad-amy-childs-sexist-feminism#commentsSamsungsexist advertisingSocial CommentaryTue, 01 May 2012 23:25:24 +0000Kelsey Wallace16602 at http://bitchmagazine.orgMad World: Fembots, Advertising and Male Fantasy http://bitchmagazine.org/post/mad-world-fembots-advertising-and-male-fantasy
<p><center><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4454391477_d098ce8097.jpg" /></center></p>
<p>Advertisers are tapping into some of the most misogynistic male fantasies when they use futuristic fembots to convince men to buy their products. They are selling a fantasy of control by turning women into obedient, mute, homemaking, sex slaves.</p>
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eCUrtFnofQM&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eCUrtFnofQM&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><p>
Texts referenced in video:</p>
<p>1. "Heineken 'DraftKeg': <a href="http://adage.com/adreview/post?article_id=120078">"The Most Sexist Beer Commerical Ever Produced?"</a> </p>
<p>2. <a href="http://www.agjohnson.us/books/genderknot/"><i>The Gender Knot</i> by Allan G. Johnson</a></p>
<p><i>This video now has English subtitles on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCUrtFnofQM">YouTube</a> and is available to be translated at <a href="http://dotsub.com/view/9c78ab5d-d7bf-49bf-998b-56b1ec49fdfc">DotSub</a> into many different language. Please help reach global audiences by translating!</i></p>
<p>Full video transcript is also available <a href="http://www.feministfrequency.com/2010/04/mad-world-fembots-advertising-and-male-fantasy/#more-348">here</a>.</p>
<p><i>Anita Sarkeesian is a feminist media literacy advocate, pop culture critic and fair use proponent. She maintains an ongoing web series of video commentaries from a fangirl/feminist/anti-oppression perspective at her website <a href="http://www.feministfrequency.com/">www.FeministFrequency.com.</a></i></p>
<p><img src="/sites/default/files/OH_Logo.jpg" width="146" height="67" alt="OH_Logo.jpg" align=left /> <i>This project was made possible in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities (OH), a statewide nonprofit organization and an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, which funds OH's grant program. Any views, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Oregon Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.</i> </p>
http://bitchmagazine.org/post/mad-world-fembots-advertising-and-male-fantasy#commentsfembotFeminist FrequencyHeinekenMad WorldPhilipssexist advertisingSvedka VodkaMad WorldTue, 20 Apr 2010 20:06:35 +0000Anita Sarkeesian3146 at http://bitchmagazine.orgMad World: The Axe Effecthttp://bitchmagazine.org/post/mad-world-the-axe-effect
<p><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4454391477_d098ce8097.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Well, our <a href="/blogs/mad-world">Mad World</a> discussion blog is in its third week now, and we just couldn't hold off any longer: It's time to talk about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axe_%28grooming_product%29">Axe</a>. </p>
<p>Sure, uncovering the sexism in Axe ad campaigns is somewhat akin to uncovering the yarn at a craft store, but how can we move forward in our gender and advertising symposium without Axe under our belts? Instead of debating whether or not these ads are offensive (because, duh) I thought we'd take a look at an all-star lineup of some of the worst Axe has had to offer recently, and then put it to a vote. It's the Offensive Axe Campaign Showdown!</p>
<p><center><b>Five ads enter! One ad leaves! Which shitty Axe campaign reigns supreme?</b></center></p>
<p><b>Contestant #1: Manly Shower Gel Man</b></p>
<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TjKf3uWOxMY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TjKf3uWOxMY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><p>
<b>The message:</b> If you fail to use Axe Shower Gel, everyone will mistake you for a woman. Which is the worst thing you could possibly be, because women are awful. Also, it makes total sense to sexualize woodland creatures by having bikini-clad women scrub you down while wearing animal masks. Obviously.</p>
<p><b>Contestant #2: The Ball Cleaner</b></p>
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6IMwuwrkd3s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6IMwuwrkd3s&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><p>
<b>The message:</b> First of all, ball euphemisms are hilarious (omg we're not just talking about golf balls you guyz!). Also, if you are a man, the only thing stopping women from grabbing your testicles is the scrubber you use in the shower. If you're a woman, you pretty much just love balls. (Is anyone else bummed to see <a href="/post/the-boxs-crush-of-the-week-jaime-pressly">Jaime Pressly</a> in this ad? Bogus.)</p>
<p><b>Contestant #3: Smelly Fingers</b></p>
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/p8_gG2D8QyI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/p8_gG2D8QyI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><p>
<b>The message:</b> You know how guys make other guys smell their fingers after they've had sex with a woman? (btw I am not saying all guys do this) Well women can do that now, too! We can all get in on this finger-sniffing action! Women turn into totally disgusting horn dogs when Axe is in the mix!</p>
<p><b>Contestant #4: Dark Temptation</b></p>
<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FgfzdgWgEZ4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FgfzdgWgEZ4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><p>
<b>The message:</b> It's hard to ignore the underlying racism of this spot. "Dark Temptation"? The man (once he turns from white to, um, chocolate) is literally devoured by the women chasing him. Somehow I doubt that when bell hooks wrote <a href="http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&amp;d=94722129">"Eating the Other"</a> she meant it this literally. Also, this is yet another ad where women are rendered uncontrollably sex-crazed by the scent of Axe.</p>
<p><b>Contestant #5: The Defendant</b></p>
<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yKALLCVQmjE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yKALLCVQmjE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object><p>
<b>The message:</b> Here we see a different angle from our friends at Axe: Slut shaming. This message goes above and beyond, and the woman here is accused of outrageous, and illegal, sex crimes. It's OK though, because in Axe court things like "assault with a ball gag" are fun and sexy! </p>
<p><b>Closing arguments:</b> OK, so all of these ads have something terrible to offer. But before we vote on which is the worst, let's take a minute to think about Axe (just a minute though, or we might all start barfing). Why does Axe advertise in this way? Why has it proven to be (seemingly) so successful? These ads go beyond sex jokes and deep into racist, misogynist, dangerous territory. Could Axe get the attention it does without being so offensive? What is about the messages here that registers for so many people? </p>
<p>Now let's vote!</p>
<div class="TWIIGSPOLL">
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<p><img src="/sites/default/files/OH_Logo.jpg" width="146" height="67" alt="OH_Logo.jpg" align=left /> <i>This project was made possible in part by a grant from Oregon Humanities (OH), a statewide nonprofit organization and an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, which funds OH's grant program. Any views, findings, and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Oregon Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.</i> </p>
http://bitchmagazine.org/post/mad-world-the-axe-effect#commentsAxe Body SprayMad Worldpollsexist advertisingshowdownMad WorldTue, 23 Mar 2010 20:08:08 +0000Kelsey Wallace3007 at http://bitchmagazine.orgDouchebag Decree (Dis)Honorable Mention: Burger King just keeps on pissing me off http://bitchmagazine.org/post/douchebag-decree-dishonorable-mention-burger-king-just-keeps-on-pissing-me-off
<p><img src="http://loyalkng.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/burger-king-blow-job-ads.jpg" alt="BK" width="350" height="451" /> </p>
<p>For the love of god, what will it be next? This is not Burger King's first rodeo, in terms of terrible, sexist advertising, but it might be the raunchiest and therefore the most abhor-able. There is no reading between the lines here, no smoke and mirrors as far as the imagery and message are concerned. So who the hell keeps getting this smut on their desk and signing off on it? In past blogs, we've tackled this b.s. <a href="/post/offensive-commercials-fast-food-showdown" rel="nofollow">once</a> or <a href="/post/sex-videotape-and-fries" rel="nofollow">twice</a> before, and you'd think they'd eventually get over the tired, easy, douchebag messaging. &quot;Fill your desire for something long, juicy and flame-grilled&quot;? For the love of... Please, <i>please</i>, this is so grade school immature and straight-up offensive. </p>
<p>Burger King, women don't like giving sandwiches fellatio. Shockingly enough. Based on past ad campaigns, Burger King thinks women think hamburgers are babies and now, penises, and that we'll stuff our pants to emulate Spongebob so we can drop it like it's hot in some weird, washed-up '80s hip-hop star's quasi-music video. A big shut up, please, to Burger King for their latest jaunt down Douchebag Avenue. BK execs, why don't you take your own advice and suck it (metaphorically speaking). </p>
http://bitchmagazine.org/post/douchebag-decree-dishonorable-mention-burger-king-just-keeps-on-pissing-me-off#commentsblow jobsBurger Kingdisgustingdouchebagssexist advertisingwtf?Douchebag Decree Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:42:06 +0000Ashley Brittner1817 at http://bitchmagazine.org